Activism and Art

In 1968, nine Catholic peace activists protested the Vietnam War in a fiery blaze in Catonsville, Maryland. They became known as the Catonsville Nine. Almost 50 years later, hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets of Baltimore to protest the death of Freddie Gray. The 2015 uprisings resonated deeply in our culture, representing an ongoing sense of deep dissatisfaction with the status quo in our society. The tradition of protest extends beyond Maryland throughout our entire nation. What does this history tell us and how are we impacted by this legacy today? “Activism and Art: the Catonsville Nine, 50 Years Later” examines one of the most iconic and written-about acts of political protest in 20th century American history. Through art created by Catonsville Nine activist Tom Lewis and elements of the documentary “Hit & Stay: a history of faith and resistance” this exhibit explores the motivations and considers the consequences of civil disobedience, and contextualizes this protest in our present turbulent political climate.